Veteran Benefits
The military civilian defense counsel that work with our firm are based around the country. We meet with and work with veterans who are petitioning to upgrade their VA disability compensation after their initial assessment is complete. This includes representing veterans before a Decisional Review Officer Hearing, Board of Veterans’ Appeals, and the Court of Veterans Appeals. We have military civilian defense counsel who are accredited by the Veterans Administration, a process that requires a certain number of Continuing Legal Education credits.
Representing someone before the Veterans Administration is a complicated bureaucratic process. It is a process that can take years to complete, but our lawyers are dedicated and stick to the task at hand: upgrading your disability compensation in getting you back the pay you deserve.
Decisional Review Officer
The Decisional Review Officer Hearing is handled through a Decisional Review Officer (DRO). The DRO is a senior technical expert who is responsible for holding post-decisional hearings and processing appeals. The DRO may have jurisdiction of any appeal.
Once the DRO assumes jurisdiction of a case, he/she works in partnership with the veteran and his/her representative to resolve all issues covered by the notice of disagreement in accordance with the laws and facts in that particular case. The appeal remains with the DRO until it is forwarded to Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
The Board of Veterans’ Appeals (also known as “BVA” or “the Board”) is a part of the VA, located in Washington, D.C.
Members of the Board review benefit claims determinations made by local VA offices and issue decision on appeals. These law judges, attorneys experienced in veterans law and in reviewing benefit claims, are the only ones who can issue Board decisions. Staff attorneys, also trained in veterans law, review the facts of each appeal and assist the Board members. {38 U.S.C. §§ 7103, 7104}
Anyone who is not satisfied with the results of a claim for veterans benefits (determined by a VA regional office, medical center or any other local VA office) can appeal their claim to the BVA.
Contact Phillip Stackhouse For Help Today!
To schedule a free initial consultation with our lawyer, call our San Diego office at 760-456-5386 or use our online contact form.